You are here

Wireless

Wireless gas detection that delivers real-time information

RAE Systems has led the way in integrated gas detection monitoring since the company was founded in 1991. For nearly two decades, we have been an industry innovator through our development and deployment of proven wireless gas and radiation detection solutions based on intelligent radio frequency networks. We combine standards-based technologies with proprietary solutions to increase performance and security. With wireless technology as an integral component of gas detection solutions, we have enabled the reliable, secure broadcast of detection sensor data from remote monitors to a host controller or command center 24/7/365.

Near-field Communication

Based on radio frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication offers one-way, non-contact transmissions that was originally used for inventory and logistics. This wireless technology enables two devices to exchange encrypted data over short distances. Open, standards-based, and inherently secure, devices with NFC also benefit from interoperability with existing contactless-card technologies.

Cellular

Cellular networks connect mobile devices to each other through a fixed-location transceiver, called a base station. Because of the popularity of cellular phones, an extensive radio network of cellular base stations has been created, which makes it useful for some detection solutions, especially in densely populated areas. Calls from the phone or device are always routed to the nearest receiver, and the transmission can be passed to the next base station as the device is moved.

Bluetooth

This wireless protocol exchanges data between devices over short distances (5-100 meters) using the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It uses low-cost transceiver radio microchips and a fast frequency-hopping approach with adaptive power control to slice up data and deliver it more quickly. A benefit of Bluetooth is that devices don’t need to be in line of sight. It is ideal for audio and other data, and is often use to provide cable-free downloads between devices.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi local area networks (WLANs) provide reliable, high-speed data transmissions between electronic devices and an Internet hotspot. These networks can typically send data up to 300 meters in an open area or up to 100m in an enclosed space. Wi-Fi integrates easily with wired Ethernet networks and is inexpensive and easy to install.

Mesh Networks

Mesh networks are intelligent networks of wireless devices that transmit and receive data from one another. Data moves by “hopping” from one node to another until it reaches the controller. Each node continuously identifies the devices closest to it for best transmission, and reconfigures as needed when a transmission path is blocked or broken. This maximizes robustness and reliability. While each node has a limited transmission range, the entire mesh network can grow flexibly depending on the number of devices deployed. The network can also balance traffic for increased efficiency. The low power requirements mean that devices can be relatively small and light, and also intrinsically safe for use in hazardous environments.

License-free ISM Band

License-free Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band wireless technologies provide low-power, low-cost access to designated radio frequencies for specific uses, making them good options for closed-loop detection networks. While originally designated for fire, HazMat, and law enforcement, the same frequencies are also used by remote-controlled consumer devices and home-automation products. While interference from other ISM devices is common, because sensor applications are typically low-power, they tend not to interfere with other ISM network users. This enables reliable transmissions for threat-detection information.